PLENARY FLASH: Greens/EFA Priorities 6 to 9 October
Drones in European airspace |
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On Thursday, MEPs will vote for a united response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States’ airspace. These attacks target all of Europe and solidarity must be turned into action. The Greens/EFA Group expresses its undivided solidarity with the countries affected by Russian airspace violations and stresses the importance for EU member states to stand united in the face of Russian provocations. With Russia trying to destabilize European societies, preparedness and societal resilience are key. At the same time, the military is often not the best placed to protect critical infrastructure from drones. Civilian authorities must be empowered to detect and counter drone threats.
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Gaza |
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On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace between Palestine and Israel. The Greens/EFA Group reiterates its support for the two-state solution in accordance with international law recalling the right to a peaceful existence and self-determination. While the Group welcomes the swift release of our MEP Benedetta Scuderi, arrested in international waters by Israeli forces while onboard one of the ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla, we condemn Israel's illegal and forceful interception of the humanitarian Global Sumud Flotilla, which is a blatant violation of international law and shows a regrettable lack of respect of Israeli authorities for the European Parliament and the work of its elected officials. On Monday, we will call for a plenary debate on the Flotilla and the disproportionate Israeli response to a peaceful mission delivering life-saving aid.
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Amending the CAP |
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On Wednesday, MEPs will debate and vote on the simplification proposal for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). While the Greens/EFA Group welcomes that the proposal maintains social conditionality and reduces bureaucracy for small farmers, with organic farms receiving long overdue recognition, the overall outcome for nature and environmental protection is a disaster. A majority of EPP, Renew, ECR and the far-right have pushed for a package that weakens environmental protections, threatens grasslands and opens the door to harmful practices. We stand with small farmers, but this deal falls far short of what Europe’s agriculture and climate need.
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Strengthening farmers/„veggie burger“ ban |
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On Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote on strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain. The Greens/EFA Group welcomes and has long called for steps to make farmers’ incomes fairer, with written contracts as generally the default and prices that better reflect cover production costs. Nevertheless, exemptions for cooperatives weaken this progress and new rules on labels risk turning into “social-washing” instead of real improvements in fair trading for farmers. Moreover, the return of the populist “veggie burger” ban is a distraction that hurts plant-based producers, confuses consumers and does nothing to help farmers earn a decent living.
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The case of MEP Ilaria Salis |
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Following the Legal Affairs (JURI) Committee's refusal to waive Ilaria Salis' immunity, MEPs meeting in plenary must now decide whether to follow this position. Hungary is no longer a full democracy with the rule of law and there can be no guarantee of respect for the right to a fair trial. The Greens/EFA Group oppose the waiving of MEP Salis’ immunity.
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More:Pécs Pride This Saturday, the Pride Parade in Pécs, Hungary,will take place despite being formally banned as part of the Hungarian government’s crackdown on freedom of speech and fundamental rights. Demonstrators will face a massive police presence and the use of facial recognition software. Several Greens/EFA MEPs will join the march in solidarity with the Hungarian Pride community, including: Terry Reintke, co-chair of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, Tineke Strik, Parliament Rapporteur on the situation in Hungary, Nicolae Ștefănuță, Parliament Vice President, Kim van Sparrentak, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ Intergroup and Tilly Metz, Greens/EFA MEP.
Motion of censure For the second time in less than six months, MEPs will vote on a motion of censure against Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This motion is led by the far-left and far-right of the house, who seek to undermine the Commission at a time when Europe needs to show leadership and take action in the face of global challenges. More: Greens/EFA Group vote against far-right PR stunt but no blank cheque for Ursula von der Leyen.
Address by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Prime Minister of Greenland On Wednesday, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen will address the Parliament. Greenland has been at the center of tensions between the US and the EU, following US President Trump's declarations of a possible annexation of the vast arctic region. The Greens/EFA Group emphasizes Greenland’s right to self-determination and stands in solidarity with its people.
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